Personal statement: "I have tried to gain experiences, knowledge and skills I will require to attend college and pursue a career that will allow me to help meet society's future needs and play a part in solving its problems. I plan to study engineering, a field that helps shape the world in so many ways and has the potential to improve people's lives and the planet."

Sponsor's endorsement: "The nominee leads by example, whether it is with her peers or volunteering for events such as Buddy Baseball or Special Olympics. She continually models what it means to be a lifelong learner, a person of good character and a considerate individual."

Personal statement: "My dad had a heart attack four years ago, and I saw firsthand how much value doctors and the medical team have, especially when it comes to helping others by alleviating suffering. I admire those people and strive to become like them, to be there for patients and lend a hand to others in their time of need."

Sponsor's endorsement: "Anuj has been a part of the Gifted and Talented programs of the school district since elementary school, and has proven his academic prowess in these rigorous curricula. He has consistently challenged himself to take the most demanding courses offered in the district."

Personal statement: "When I ask myself what my life goal is, the best answer isn't quantitative -- it isn't making a certain paycheck, for example -- and it isn't static -- some achievement that I will one day reach. I seek to be the kind of person who constantly improves her knowledge of the world around her and uses that to improve her surroundings."

Sponsor's endorsement: "Intelligent, articulate and compassionate, Victoria Cooley will undoubtedly experience great success after high school. She aspires to be a manuscript conservationist, a career that will allow her to incorporate her passions in the fields of chemistry, language studies and history."

Andrew Joseph Koltun

Crystal Lake South High School

Hometown: Crystal Lake

Parents: Philip and Patricia Koltun

Sponsor: Kyle McCaughn, counselor

Class rank: Second out of 457

GPA: 4.560, traditional 4.0

Test scores: ACT 35; SAT 2280

Planned major: Environmental public health

Awards, honors: National Merit Scholar, AP Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, National Merit finalist, president of National Honor Society

Personal statement: "I wanted a life that made me encounter people and the world in a profound, emotional way, and a life that would allow me to improve upon that world. Eventually, I decided to pursue a career in public health, which combines cutting-edge science and community outreach."

Sponsor's endorsement: "(Andrew) has been a true joy to work with over the past four years. It is a true breath of fresh air to work with a quality student and person such as this. (He) has proved over the past four years that (he) has the character that others gravitate toward and want to emulate."

Personal statement: "Real life is going to present challenges that are going to force me to deal with unfamiliar variables. I realize this, but I also realize that I am able to deal with these challenges. I thrived in high school when I knew very few people to begin with. I have a drive to succeed in unfamiliar surroundings, and that drive is what I will use to thrive in the real world."

Sponsor's endorsement: "Kevin came to South Elgin High School after being home schooled for his entire primary education. Even for very bright students this culture shock could be unnerving and overwhelming. While Kevin did feel the pressure of this transition ... he did not let his discomfort impact his achievement."

Personal statement: "I never specifically strived for top grades or test scores. Rather, I looked at my goal, knowing what it would take to get there, and worked hard and tried my best every single day. As a result of my determination, I have enjoyed some academic achievements, which though I appreciate, came as a result of my steps toward my goal."

Personal statement: "I did so well in my math classes that I was able to take AP Calculus BC, the most advanced math class offered by my high school, my sophomore year, and I have since been taking math courses from the Netmath program at the University of Illinois."

Sponsor's endorsement: "Jacob Palecki. Whew. Scary smart and the most responsible, unassuming student I have ever worked with. Jacob's peers mention his name with awe: 'a math genius.' When talking about ACT results they will say, 'What did Jacob get?' 'What math is Palecki taking this year?'"

Personal statement: "At this time, I plan to become a physician. Having become aware of the health needs throughout the world, I hope to use my skills on an international scale. My goal is to live a life that exemplifies the words of Shirley Chisholm: 'Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this Earth.'"

Sponsor's endorsement: "While she has consistently earned strong grades, what has changed considerably over the years is her approach to learning. She began high school as the typical high achiever who sought to memorize information. She has since developed into a consummate intellectual. She looks for connections, explores tangents, and seeks to create new knowledge for herself and her classmates."

Personal statement: "The funny thing is, I did not start out determined to go into medicine. When I grew up, my parents always asked me "What do you want to be?" Trying to break the confines of Asian stereotypes, I actually tried to deviate as far as possible from medicine, switching career choices several times before entering high school. I first wanted to be a teacher, then a pianist, then a swimmer. However, my vision for the future began to solidify as I entered high school. Gradually, I began to consider a career in medicine more seriously."

Sponsor's endorsement: "A leader, a scholar, an athlete and a musician -- Nathan stands out as a student with vision and drive. He decides what he wants to accomplish and does it."

Personal statement: "Instead of selfishly devoting my efforts toward my own accomplishments, my goal is to improve the quality of life around me -- to use my education and leadership to make a difference to others, not only to myself. Success is not about how much money we make or how many square feet our houses are, but rather how many lives we can improve by helping others."

Sponsor's endorsement: "I would describe Arjun as a passionate learner. Success is not the primary motivating factor in Arjun's life -- he simply loves to learn. Helping others is important to Arjun -- he loves to serve. Residential life is fun for Arjun -- he values friendship."

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the X in the upper right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.